R.I.P. “Exorcist” Author William Peter Blatty

William Peter Blatty, author of the 1971 best-seller “The Exorcist” which lead to William Friedkin’s iconic 1973 horror movie classic, has died at the age of 89. Friedkin remained close with the author and screenwriter over the years, and confirmed the news this morning in a tweet:

William Peter Blatty, dear friend and brother who created The Exorcist passed away yesterday

Blatty also wrote and directed 1980 horror film “The Ninth Configuration,” and more importantly penned and directed 1990’s “The Exorcist III,” a film that was famously reworked in post-production (not for the better) and yet still turned out what has become one of the most famous cult classics featuring one of the best single scares ever put to screen.